New Tool To Combat Swine Respiratory Disease

New Product rollouts at the World Pork Expo are a big reason swine industry professionals make the trip to the Des Moines, Iowa, trade show and swine competition every year. Novartis Animal Health has joined that effort with the launch of Florvio (florfenicol) 2.3% Concentrate Solution designed for the treatment of swine respiratory disease (SRD).

The broad-spectrum antibiotic is indicated for treatment of SRD associated with Actinobacillus pleuopneumoniae, Pasturella multocida, Streptococcus suis and Salmonella choleraesuis. The active ingredient in Florvio is florfenicol, which is a well-researched ingredient in pigs and according to a Novartis release: "has a proven track record of efficacy and safety." The company points to clinical studies and field trials that have show florfenicol can "significantly improve treatment success of SRD and quickly reduce clinical signs of disease."

In a media statement, Mike Daly, farm animal brand manager, Novartis Animal Health, explains: "Florvio combines several of the key attributes veterinarians most commonly look for in an antibiotic for treating pigs diagnosed with respiratory disease. It's broad spectrum, fast-acting and the active ingredient in Florvio is used only in veterinary medicine. Consequently, it's not classified as important for human medicine and that's a benefit both veterinarians and producers appreciate."

As a liquid concentrate, Florvio is administered in the water supply. It is intended for treating respiratory disease in nursery pigs from eight to 13 weeks of age.

Novartis points to SRD as one of the most prevalent causes of nursery pig and grower/finisher deaths. The company notes a recent survey by USDA's Animal Plant Health Inspection Service National Animal Health Monitoring System shows respiratory disease was the main cause of swine mortality - 44.2% of nursery pigs and 61.1% of grower/finisher pigs.

Mark Hammer, DVM, manager of veterinary services, Novartis Animal Health, explains SRD caused by Streptococcus suis is very common and Florvio is the only water-based antibiotic therapy labeled for treatment of S. suis.

Hammer notes: "Strep suis is a significant pathogen in nursing and wean pigs, causing pneumonia, lameness and convulsions. The result of these clinical signs can include reduced growth and death. Because the period of time between exposure to the pathogen and the onset of clinical signs can be separated by hours or days, Florvio offers a convenient oral treatment for this important and costly disease and can be applied to all exposed pigs within a barn."

The effects of florfenicol on swine reproductive performance, pregnancy and lactation have not been determined. Florvio should not be used in swine intended for breeding. To view the full Florvio product label visit ah.novartis.us/livestock/swine-florvio.shtml.